Michelle Lee sealed victory in her first competitive ride for over two years at the Royal Dean Forest CC 25-mile time trial on Sunday, while Dylan Sage finished fastest in the open category with a new national junior record.

Riding for the host club, Lee posted an unbeaten 56-23 to stave off competition from Emma Wyatt (Hereford & Dist Wheelers), who had to settle for second with 56-36, while a time of 57-01 was enough to see Claire Emons (...a3crg) into third position.

It has been a challenging year for Lee, but a fine ride from the Royal Dean Forest CC rider saw her earn a first win on the bike since knee surgery last year.

“Today went well, and it’s great to be back on a local course I know well and run by RDFCC where I’m a member,” said Lee. 

“I’ve been out of competition for several years and having taken longer than I would have liked recovering from my knee replacement last June, I hoped for three things: To break the hour, to finish and for nothing to hurt other than it feeling like a hard effort. Three ticks!

“I bought a time trial bike again two weeks ago with a plan to do some Aquabike events, given that it's unlikely I will be able to run again. But time trials are great training, and being amongst many friendly and familiar faces on such a beautiful day was great. As anticipated, it was easier on the way out and a complete slogfest on the way back!

“I feel like I’m starting again and accept I’m unlikely to challenge any previous times, but I’m very happy to be back on my bike and riding relatively well.

“Thank you RDFCC for organising a great event! So much talent from all age groups! Dylan’s time was exceptional and Brian, phenomenal. Well done everyone!”

In the open category, junior rider Sage took the victory with a fine 45-38 to beat Finlay Tarling’s previous best junior national record from a few weeks ago.

James Jenkins (Hart Performance Coaching) finished runner-up in 45-49, while Rob Francis of Team Bottrill secured third place in 46-11.

It is Sage’s second win of the season after claiming victory at the VTTA East Midland 25-mile time trial in June.

On his win, Sage said: “I’m really happy with the ride today. Breaking the national record is something that has been on my mind since I won the National Championships, particularly after Finlay broke it not long back.

“It was a fairly windy day with a slight headwind on the way back, but I’m super happy with my ride as well as being just two seconds away from the course record. I’m hoping that after today this will cement my place in the World Champs TT selection in Zurich at the end of September.”

Simon Butteriss (Ely & District CC/B&T Motor Repairs) was the first road bike competitor to finish with 53-01, a time good enough for 15th overall, while David James Williams (Velotik Racing Team) was the fastest veteran on the course with a time of 48-49

Dylan Griffiths of University of Bath Cycling Club took home the title of fastest espoir rider, clocking 48-55 to finish fifth overall.

This 25-mile event, run on the R25/7 course, begins just outside of Usk on Monmouth road. Heading north on the A449, it u-turns on Portal Road in Monmouth before retracing its steps to finish the A472.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

Results:

Open:

1. Dylan Sage (Evolution Racing Academy) 45.38

2. James Jenkins (Hart Performance Coaching) 45.49

3. Rob Francis (Team Bottrill) 46.11

4. David James Williams (Velotik Racing Team) 48.49

5. Dylan Griffiths (University of Bath Cycling Club) 48.55

6. Daniel Wyatt (Hereford & Dist Whs CC) 50.09

Women:

1. Michelle Lee (Royal Dean Forest Cycle Club) 56.23

2. Emma Wyatt (Hereford & Dist Whs CC) 56.36

3. Claire Emons (...a3crg) 57.01

4. Deb Hutson-Lumb (Wrekinsport CC) 57.10

5. Michelle Lindley (Poole Wheelers Cycling Club) 59.03

6. Emma Davies (Port Talbot Whs CC) 1:00.27